COLUMBUS, OH – Three teenagers, Jamarion Fredrae Evans-Bennett, 19, Dionta Davon Hughes, 18, and a 17-year-old male, have been charged with murder following an attack that led to the death of Donald “Donnie” Smith, Jr., 53, a father of three. The incident took place outside a Kroger supermarket on South High Street in Columbus.
On the evening of December 6, the three teens reportedly engaged in a fight with shoppers inside the Kroger store. After being asked to leave by store security, they allegedly waited outside for Smith to exit and then attacked him. Witnesses reported seeing the defendants kicking and punching Smith while appearing to enjoy themselves. The assault occurred around 7 p.m., and the teens fled when confronted by an armed witness.
Initially treated as a felonious assault, the case escalated after Smith, who was critically injured, underwent brain surgery. The severity of his injuries led to his death, resulting in the murder charges against the teens.
A GoFundMe campaign set up by Nicole Evans, Smith’s long-time partner and mother of two of his children, highlights the personal tragedy of the incident.
